A mother of five children (left) receiving mock cheques amounting RM200, 000 from Flagbearer Education Association at a hi-tea gathering.

KUALA LUMPUR: After the tragic incident of MH370 and MH17 three years ago, 40 children of 23 cabin crew members are still remembered as the Flagbearer Education Association donated RM1.6 million for their future education here on Wednesday.

Minister of Defence, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein who is also the patron of the association said, despite the tragedy, we are still able to get people together as education cuts across race, age and religion.

“We are very happy today because there is a future plan for our children’s education. If this effort continues, I am confident it will not only be appreciated by the society but the tragedy has made us very close to the victims’ family.

“This is our strength because in the face of adversity there is always a message that makes Malaysia very special,” he said to the media after witnessing the presentation of mock cheques to the children of MH370 and MH17 cabin crew.

Hishammuddin and Tiong Lai with parents, recipients and board members of the education funds after the mock cheque presentation amounting RM1.6 million in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

For that effort Hishammuddin commended the association’s chairman, Datuk Anne Eu and Puan Sri Cecilia Lim, wife of Genting Malaysia Berhad’s Chairman, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay for their efforts to provide an avenue of support for the family members especially children of the crew members.

“I am happy to give them the support they needed to make this plan a reality,” he said.

Hishammuddin then invites other private bodies and government linked companies (GLC) that give emphasis on education as their corporate social responsibility (CSR) to come forward and join effort for the noble cause.